Vehicle Description
Although there are newer Vipers out there, and a fresh redesign on
the horizon, none have had the blunt-force-trauma impact of the
original GTS. It was the Cobra Daytona coupe reincarnated, but this
time with 8-liters of fury under the hood and a suspension that
could actually dance. Even today, this 1997 Dodge Viper GTS
commands more respect on the street than just about anything else
ever built.
Viper fans are particular about their cars. Yes, they use them to
their potential, but they are also fanatical about maintenance and
the cars are seldom used as daily drivers. With just 16,595
original miles, this 1997 GTS looks almost new in every respect,
showing off a brilliant Viper Red paint job that could easily
compete with a Ferrari on the eyeball magnet scale. Of note, it
isn't wearing the usual stripe package, which were a no-cost
delete, and despite the festive color, this one looks downright
brutal because of it. It's also one of just seven Vipers delivered
in bright red with gold powdercoated wheels and matching gold
emblems, so it's a fairly rare piece in a world of number
collectors. Hand built by Chrysler employees specially chosen for
the job, it exhibits better-than-average build quality throughout,
and seeing one of these on the street is still an event. Nobody
(and I mean nobody!) tangles with one of these at the stop light
grand prix.
The GTS benefitted big time from a more civilized interior that
included actual roll-up windows and an effective stereo system.
Note that I didn't say it WAS civilized, just more civilized than
the R/T, and that's a big part of the Viper's charm. You need to
manhandle this car, show it who's boss, and it isn't for the faint
of heart. Fortunately, the hardware is up to the challenge, with
grippy black leather buckets that are in excellent shape, a dash
full of white-faced gauges, and a stubby 6-speed shifter that you
can punch through the gears without fear of breaking anything. An
AM/FM/CD stereo provides entertainment while you're waiting for
your next track session, and the fat leather-wrapped wheel
transmits signals directly to your hypothalamus. There's a bit of
storage under the rear hatch, but if you're worried about carrying
capacity in your Viper, perhaps you're shopping at the wrong
store.
The 8.0-liter V10 got a horsepower boost in the GTS that ensured
that the baddest snake on the street remained that way. There are
thousands of upgrades available, but this one remains almost
completely stock save for a K&N air filter up front (the
original filter is included with the car). Even stock, it brings
450 horsepower and 490 pounds of torque, so it's certainly no
slouch on the street. There's no mistaking the bright red intake
and valve covers, and this one shows off the efforts of a very
conscientious owner who kept it immaculate under the hood. Most of
the original equipment is intact, and it hasn't been raced or
abused, although we'll admit that it's impossible to keep your foot
out of the throttle. The all-independent suspension works well on
the street or the track, and those gold wheels are wrapped in giant
275/40/17 front and 335/40/17 rear Michelin Pilot tires that stick
like flypaper.
The stories are true and these cars remain the last untamed
performance machines. Complete with all the original books and
manuals, this rare Gold Package Viper is also a car that will
likely have some financial upside in the future. Call today!
